Page 73 of Avenging Azalea

“Mr. Mikhailov, are you getting into fashion, too? Will we see you on the cover of Veracious?”

“Do I have to answer these questions,” I whispered under my breath as I pretended the best I could to be okay with this insanity.

Vera wiggled her fingers at the reporters.

“Ah, ah, ah…you all know that Veracious never spills her juicy secrets.” She cocked her hip and then gave a dramatic wave. “Be sure to keep an eye on my newsfeed tomorrow. I’ll be dropping some…deliciousness,” she purred.

That was enough for me. I started walking inside. Vera could either hang on to my arm and keep up, or she could stay outside. She chose me rather than continuing her slo-mo act.

“Titus, not so fast. I want them to get great pictures of the back of the dress.”

“I’m pretty sure the million they got will do.”

A doorman ushered us inside, and I practically stomped up to the maître de.

“Mikhailov table,” I snarled at the man.

“Right this way, sir.”

We followed him to the private room at the back of the restaurant, but Vera tugged on my arm, slowing me down.

“Titus, that’s my job out there. That’s how I make my money and promote myself.”

She had a point. She hadn’t been nicknamed the Queen of Fashion for no reason.

“I’m sorry,” I said, reminding myself that this arranged marriage was being forced upon her as much as it was me.

“Me too. I’m so used to the attention that I forget most people don’t like it.”

“Yeah, I’m not a fan. Keeping moments like that to a minimum, when we are together, will be appreciated.”

“Okay, I’ll try,” Vera said as we stepped into the back room.

The round table was full but missing some friendly faces. My father and mother sat beside Pasha and Katerina. Aaron was solo tonight, but I noticed him glance at his watch. He would be gone before dessert. Ronan and his on-again-off-again girlfriend, Amy, were also in attendance. I’d hoped that Ronan wouldn’t show up when he didn’t arrive to take the limo, but no such luck.

Vera sat down, and I pushed her chair in before taking my seat. I’d eaten here enough times to know the menu by heart, but I picked it up anyway. Any excuse to avoid participating in the conversation for as long as possible. Wine was poured, and warm bread was served before I finally put my expensive leather shield down.

Ding, ding, ding.

“I’d like to propose a toast,” Father said, standing. “I couldn’t be happier with this merger, both in business and family. The two of you are a power couple for the future of the Mikhailov and Vilanova Enterprises. To the happy couple. Welcome to the family, Vera. My son certainly has impeccable taste.”

Only my father could make a compliment sound like a sexual assault. Everyone raised their glasses and took a sip of their wine.

Conversation resumed and continued while we ordered, and our salads were served. Glancing around the table, I tried to picture Fawn fitting in with this group. She had more class in her baby finger than my father and Ronan combined, but I never wanted her to have to prove herself to them. They would never understand the kindness or the grace that oozed off her.

I was just taking a sip of my wine when Vera gripped my thigh under the table. Her fingers flexed dangerously close to my dick. Choking, I spit my wine back in the glass and looked at her, but she was staring straight ahead, talking to Amy. Vera’s nails grazed my leg as I grabbed her hand and pulled it off. That got her attention. She looked over, and I let go, hoping that the glare in my eyes was message enough. Do not touch me.

“What’s wrong? You’re so uptight. Just relax,” she cooed, a seductive edge to her voice as she reached for my leg again.

“Don’t do that,” I whispered harshly, stopping her hand. Clearly, she needed my feelings spelled out for her. Vera rolled her eyes.

“Hey, you two. Just remember, no grandchildren before you’re married,” Father said, laughing. Other than Mr. Vilanova, no one found the joke amusing.

“Not to worry. There hasn’t been and won’t be any consummating before the wedding night.”

“What?” Vera practically yelled and then coughed to try and cover up her outburst. “Sorry, my wine went down the wrong way.” She smiled, but it was as forced as if I’d grabbed her lips and pushed them up myself. “Of course, that is very gentlemanly of you,” Vera said through a tight grin.

“There is no need for that. The contract is already signed,” Father said, pouring himself more wine that he really didn’t need. “I was only joking. If you two want to fuck like rabbits, no one is going to stop you.”